ACM Awards 60th Anniversary Gala

The Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives are hosting an exclusive and intimate gala honoring the achievements of 25-time ACM Award-winning duo Brooks & Dunn. 

The gala will take place on Wednesday, May 7, the night before the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will feature an elevated seated dinner, a curated silent auction, highlights from historic moments from the 60-year history of the Academy, the presentation of a special honor to Brooks & Dunn, and performances of Brooks & Dunn’s hits from Country Music’s top acts, including Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, and Lainey Wilson. The evening will be hosted by TV and Radio personality Bobby Bones. The Pre-Show and Live Auction will be presented by Shawn Parr. Proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable partner of the Academy of Country Music with a focus on mental health-based initiatives in the Country Music industry.

Tables and Individual Tickets are Available for Purchase through LiftingLives@acmcountry.com

Opry NextStage Live from Texas

 

Meet your new country music obsession at Opry NextStage Live from Texas. Join us at the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall on May 7th at 2:30 p.m. for a showcase of country’s rising sound. Host Jelly Roll is joined by the talented NextStage Class of 2025: Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold, and Tucker Wetmore. These artists have the talent, the stories, and the sound to become the next big thing. And we’re bringing them into the limelight in a way that only the Opry can.

The next era in country music begins here. Join us LIVE and get ready to fall in love with these rising stars. This is an all ages event!

General Admission Standing Room & tables are available for purchase:

Opry NextStage Live From Texas | Legacy Hall

ACM Lifting Lives Presents The Check-In Digital Series

ACM Lifting Lives®, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music®, announced the official launch of its short-form original digital series ACM Lifting Lives Presents The Check-In, with the first episodes featuring Michael Ray, Jimmie Allen, Brett Eldredge, Lindsay Ell, John Osborne of Brothers Osborne.

“Music saved my life, time and time again,” Osborne said in his Check-In, which Ell echoed in her Check-In: “I think music is so powerful and is such a beautiful healing thing for mental health." In each episode, artists candidly delve deep into their own mental health experiences and challenges over the recent few years, while sharing how music has played a crucial role in their healing process.

The ongoing series, which has already been embraced across the industry and received recognition from major news outlets, including ABC News and Good Morning America, will roll out new episodes regularly to coincide with the opening of the 2022-2023 ACM Lifting Lives grant cycle. This grant cycle moves ACM Lifting Lives’ landmark COVID-19 Response Fund into its next phase, focusing on mental and emotional health support. 

“ACM Lifting Lives is proud to launch The Check-In, revealing a new side of the artists whose songs so often provide comfort to us during our times of need. The series allows artists to open up and show strength through their vulnerability and in the process acknowledge that they too are susceptible to the same mental and emotional challenges as fans all over the world,” said Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “We hope that through this series, we can work to normalize and de-stigmatize the conversation surrounding mental health, while continuing to highlight the uniquely important role music plays in healing.”

Full-length interviews are available for viewing at The Check-In | ACM Lifting Lives and on the Academy’s official YouTube channel.

Gibson Partners With Luke Combs And Ford To Bring U.S. Veterans Healing Through Music With The “Proud To Honor” Campaign

Gibson guitar players took centerstage in the heart of Nashville at iconic venues throughout the city including the Grand Ole Opry House, the historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Café, for the 55^th ACM Awards® show.

In a nod to healing through the power of music, ACM Award-winner for “Album Of The Year” and “Male Artist Of the Year” Luke Combs, Gibson and Ford have teamed up to support U.S. veterans through Guitars4Vets--which provides veterans with guitars of their own and a forum to learn how to play. In the clip, Luke Combs visits a group of veterans during a Guitars4Vets guitar lesson. Luke delivers a Ford pickup truck filled with customized Gibson G-45 Standard Acoustic guitars wrapped with the Ford “Proud to Honor” logo. The teaser and multiple commercials featuring the G-45 guitars donated by Gibson, debuted during the 2020 ACM Awards on CBS. To learn more about “Proud to Honor,” go to: www.fordproudtohonor.com and donate directly to Guitars4Vets at: https://guitars4vets.org. Watch the new “Proud To Honor” clip with Luke Combs featuring Gibson guitars HERE.

Luke Combs Gibson J-200 Custom in White. Luke Combs performs on a Gibson G-45 Standard acoustic custom “Proud To Honor” guitar

ACM Stories, Songs and Stars, benefiting ACM Lifting Lives

The Academy of Country Music® will present a songwriter event, ACM Stories, Songs & Stars, on Friday, April 13, 2018 at The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as part of the 6^th Annual ACM Party for a Cause®. An upscale evening modeled after an old-fashioned guitar pull, ACM Stories, Songs & Stars will feature 53rd ACM Awards® Songwriter of the Year nominees – ranging from the most commercially successful to the most critically-acclaimed composers – alongside some of the biggest names in country music performing the songs they composed, telling the stories behind how those collaborations came together. The celebration will also highlight surprise performers sharing the stories behind their biggest hits.

Hosted by Storme Warren, the event will feature performances by country music’s most distinguished songwriters and celebrated artists including Lee Brice, Little Big Town, Lori McKenna, Midland, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and ACM Songwriter of the Year nominees Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, plus a few surprise guests.

Portions of event proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives®, which works to lift lives through the power of music. For additional details and ongoing updates, visit www.PartyForaCause.com.

ACM STORIES, SONGS & STARS: A SONGWRITER’S EVENT BENEFITTING ACM LIFTING LIVES®

2017 ACM Party for a Cause: Songwriter Showcase (Photo Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for ACM)

The Academy of Country Music® will present a songwriter event, ACM Stories, Songs & Stars, on Friday, April 13, 2018 at The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as part of the 6^th Annual ACM Party for a Cause®. Country music’s most distinguished songwriters and celebrated artists including Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, and Thomas Rhett have been revealed today as performers for the special event. Additional performers and attendees, including ACM Songwriter of the Year nominees, will be announced in the coming weeks. Portions of event proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives®, which works to lift lives through the power of music.

 

An upscale evening modeled after an old-fashioned guitar pull, ACM Stories, Songs & Stars will feature 53^rd ACM Awards® Songwriter of the Year nominees – ranging from the most commercially successful to the most critically-acclaimed composers – alongside some of the biggest names in country music performing the songs they composed, telling the stories behind how those collaborations came together. The celebration will also highlight surprise performers sharing the stories behind their biggest hits.

 

VIP table seating on the floor will be an exclusive experience including a cocktail reception and dinner. Additionally, seated tickets are available on the floor, mezzanine and balcony. Tickets starting at $55 are available for purchase NOW at www.PartyForaCause.com. For VIP table seating, email info@acmcountry.com.

 

ACM Stories, Songs & Stars is part of the 6^th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® signature events set to take over the Las Vegas Strip April 12-15, 2018 leading up to and immediately following the 53^rd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which will broadcast LIVE from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Halftime Performance Announcement for Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Game

Academy of Country Music's Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett will perform LIVE at AT&T Stadium during the nationally televised halftime of the Dallas Cowboys game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thanksgiving Day, kicking off The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign. Donations to the iconic campaign help provide shelter and meals for the homeless and hungry, and Christmas toys for millions of children, in addition to numerous other social service programs The Salvation Army provides year-round.

“Watching the Cowboys game is such a tradition on Thanksgiving Day,” said Thomas Rhett. “It's all about being together with family and friends, but this year is going to be a little different for us. I'm pumped that we get to pack up the whole family to go to Dallas for the halftime show...it's going to be blast and helping do it for a good cause makes it even better.”

“Thomas Rhett is not only a chart-topping country artist, but also a musician whose commitment and passion for philanthropy makes him a great fit to join the Fight for Good and kickoff the Red Kettle Campaign,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, executive vice president and chief brand officer for the Cowboys and former national advisory chairperson for The Salvation Army.

The Red Kettle Campaign, which begins on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Eve, is the largest and longest-running fundraiser of its kind. It raised $147.3 million during the 2016 campaign alone and has raised nearly $2.2 billion since the Cowboys Thanksgiving Day partnership began in 1997.

“We are thankful for our partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, whose organization has continually provided us with incredible awareness during our most critical fundraising season,” said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. “We celebrate their ongoing support, and what is sure to be a memorable kickoff performance.”

As the first country artist to top the all-genre Billboard 200 Album's chart this year, Thomas Rhett's star has continued to rise since the release of his debut album “It Goes Like This.” Currently the Academy of Country Music's Male Vocalist of the Year, his albums have also garnered GRAMMY, CMA, CMT, and iHeartRadio Music award nominations, including major wins for his love song “Die a Happy Man.” Thomas Rhett recently released his third album LIFE CHANGES and announced he will be bringing his signature swagger to his LIFE CHANGES TOUR 2018.

To watch Thomas Rhett reveal himself as the halftime performer, click here.

In addition to donating to the traditional bell ringers that will be stationed at retail locations throughout the country, supporters can join The Salvation Army’s Fight for Good by starting their own #FightforGood fundraiser on RedKettleReason.org.

Join the Fight for Good
Joining the Fight for Good takes four easy steps:

1. Visit redkettlereason.org.
2. Click “Join the Fight” or scroll to the bottom of the page and join one of our notable citizen soldiers’ fundraisers.
3. Specify the community, fundraising goal, and designated cause to support, or simply make a general donation to The Salvation Army.
4. Encourage friends and family to donate and start their own fundraising pages.

Donations can also be made through the Army's text-to-give program. By texting the word “KETTLES” to 51555, donors can send any amount to the Red Kettle Campaign.

11th Annual ACM Honors Will Air Friday, September 15

The Academy of Country Music® recently presented the 11^th Annual ACM Honors™, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 52^nd Academy of Country Music Awards™. Portions of the event, held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, were taped for a two-hour special that will air on Friday, September 15 (9:00 – 11:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The event, sponsored by City National Bank, featured a star-studded lineup of live performances and award presentations celebrating Special Awards recipients Kelsea Ballerini (Gene Weed Milestone Award), Toby Keith (Poet’s Award), Bob Kingsley (Mae Boren Axton Service Award), Reba McEntire (Mae Boren Axton Service Award), “Nashville” (Tex Ritter Film Award), Dolly Parton (Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award), Shel Silverstein (Poet’s Award, awarded posthumously), and George Strait (Cliffie Stone Icon Award). The evening also honored winners of the Industry and Studio Recording Awards, along with Songwriter of the Year Award winner, Lori McKenna. 

Presenters who took the stage at the event included Jason Aldean, Bobby Bones, Ross Copperman, Chris Janson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Cassadee Pope, Hillary Scott, Jimmy Webb, and Brett Young.

George Strait has been chosen to receive the Cliffie Stone Icon Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.

Dolly Parton has been chosen to receive the Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.

Tune in to CBS on Friday, September 15, to catch the two-hour special.

ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic Tees Off for a Cause

On Saturday, April 1, Charles Kelley, of multi-platinum trio Lady Antebellum and eleven-time ACM Award winner, hosted the ACM Lifting Lives® Golf Classic. Additionally, country music artists Colt Ford, Tracy Lawrence, Scotty McCreery, Eric Paslay and Cole Swindell participated in the tournament. 

Eric Paslay, Scotty McCreery, Charles Kelley, Cole Swindell, Colt Ford, Jacob Davis and Tracy Lawrence

Held for the sixth consecutive year at TPC Las Vegas, the “scramble” style golf tournament raised funds and awareness for the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need within the music industry.

Tracy Lawrence and Cole Swindell

 The ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic took place in conjunction with the highly-anticipated “The Week Vegas Goes Country®,” including the 5^th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® taking place March 30 – April 2, 2017 surrounding the 52^nd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®.

ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Generous donations and the support of artists and fans ensure ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities, to supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing grants to help them ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.

ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic Tees Up For a Cause

The Academy of Country Music® announced that for the first time Charles Kelley, of multi-platinum trio Lady Antebellum and eleven-time ACM Award winner, will host the ACM Lifting Lives® Golf Classic at TPC Las Vegas on Saturday, April 1, 2017. The “scramble” style golf tournament, being held for the sixth consecutive year at TPC Las Vegas, was initially created to meet the need for a charitable event to connect fans, sponsors and donors with industry insiders and artists. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, which provides immediate relief to those in need within the music industry.

 

Established by former Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives Board Chair Gayle Holcomb, in honor of her mother, the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund responds quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs of music related organizations and individuals. Since its inception in 2007, the Fund has distributed more than $500,000.

 

“I’ve been able to participate in the ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic tournament for the past couple of years, so I’m looking forward to stepping back up onto green again this year,” said Kelley. “Getting together with my buddies to play a round in Vegas is always the perfect way to head into the award show, especially when it’s also for a good cause."

 

The ACM Lifting Lives Golf Classic will take place during the highly-anticipated “The Week Vegas Goes Country®,” including the 5^th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® taking place March 30 – April 2, 2017 surrounding the 52^nd Academy of Country Music Awards™.

To learn more about the charity events surrounding this week, visit:

https://www.partyforacause.com/ 

 

5th Annual ACM Party for a Cause - Schedule Announced

The Academy of Country Music announced a return to the organization’s origins with an onslaught of events taking over Las Vegas – including a return and expansion of the 5^th Annual ACM Party for a Cause® -- in conjunction with the 52^nd Academy of Country Music Awards™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, which will broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

 

This year, ACM Party for a Cause will consist of industry and fan events located at different venues across Las Vegas including a new host hotel, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and several others from Thursday, March 30 – Sunday, April 2, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV.

Each of the festivities will feature performances by some of the biggest names and hottest new talent in country music including Kelsea Ballerini, Billy Currington, Ryan Follese, Lady Antebellum, LOCASH, Kip Moore, Jake Owen, Chris Stapleton, Michael Tyler, Clay Walker, Brett Young and many others. Festivities will also include interactive ACM fan experiences, which will be announced in the coming weeks. All events will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy, which works to lift lives through the power of music. 

 

“Fourteen years ago, when the Academy moved the Awards to Las Vegas, we kicked off a decade of wide-ranging special events for fans including a motorcycle ride through Las Vegas and the surrounding area, a golf tournament at a prestigious club, concerts on Fremont Street, games and a country lifestyle marketplace and loads of live country music performances. This year, we’re going back to our roots with the evolution of ACM Party for a Cause events taking place throughout Las Vegas, all benefiting ACM Lifting Lives and the good work of the many worthy organizations Lifting Lives supports through grants and more,” said Ed Warm, Chairman of ACM Lifting Lives and Co-Chairman of the ACM Events Committee. “It feels good to align all of our auxiliary events surrounding the ACM Awards with a philanthropic purpose the fans have always embraced.”

  

The 5^th ACM Party for a Cause schedule of events can be found here: www.ACMpartyforacause.com

Purchase your tickets now for this incredible event!

Superstar Artist Participation Drives Success of ACM Events Resulting in Record $1.5 Million Donation to ACM Lifting Lives®

Superstar country artists played a key role in the success of the 51^st Academy of Country Music Awards™, ACM Honors and other ACM events in 2016, resulting in a stellar year for the Academy – including reaching 11.7 million viewers with special country music moments during primetime in September alone -- and the highest-ever annual donation to ACM Lifting Lives - $1.5 million.

In April, the 51^st ACM Awards telecast returned to MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with hosts Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, which reached 11.2 million viewers on CBS. And for the first time ever this fall, ACM Honors became a televised special reaching more than 4 million viewers. In addition, the ACM-constructed one-of-a-kind musical collaboration featuring Keith Urban with Dierks Bentley and Little Big Town in the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) telecast reached nearly 8 million viewers. Both specials aired on Friday, September 9, 2016, with SU2C preceding ACM Honors on the CBS Television Network, for a combined viewership of 11.7 million. Ticket proceeds from several 2016 ACM events went to the ACM Lifting Lives donation, among other Academy contributions.

To date the Academy has given over $8 million to ACM Lifting Lives, resulting in more than 100 grants, 75 emergency grants to music industry professionals in need, and partnerships with Music Health Alliance, Seacrest Foundation, St. Jude, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, among many, many others.

“The important work ACM Lifting Lives does in improving lives through the power of music is only possible because of the incredible artists and industry friends who donate their time and talent to ACM events, period,” said Tiffany Moon, ACM EVP/Managing Director. “We will continue to make every charitable dollar we spend stretch to reach those who need it most. It’s a process we all feel privileged to be a part of, and we’re grateful to the ACM and Lifting Lives Boards for their support.” 

PHOTO: [Left to right] Academy of Country Music Officers and ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors: Paul Moore (Parliamentarian), Carmen Romano (Treasurer), Duane Clark (Vice President), Tommy Moore (Secretary), Ken Tucker (Chairman), Lori Badgett (Past ACM Lifting Lives Chairman), Ed Warm (ACM LL Chairman), Ben Vaughn (President), and Tiffany Moon (ACM EVP, Managing Director).

About the Academy of Country Music
Founded in Southern California in 1964, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) is a fan-focused artist and industry-driven organization, providing the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of ACM LIFTING LIVES, the charitable arm of the Academy which works to improve lives through the power of music. The Academy has a rich history in the entertainment industry, having been founded when Southern California was a hotbed of emerging country music and when Westerns were a staple of television programing and film production. Comprised of more than 4,900 professional members nationwide, the ACM is headquartered in Encino, Calif. For more information, log onto www.ACMcountry.com or www.ACMLiftingLives.org.

About ACM Lifting Lives
ACM Lifting Lives® is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Generous donations and the support of artists and fans ensure ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities, to supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing grants to help them ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.

ACM Recaps and Photos: Great Outdoor Archery Event with Team Luke and Team Justin

On Saturday, April 18th Luke Bryan and Justin Moore returned to host the 3rd Annual ACM & Cabela’s Great Outdoor Archery Event at the Rangers Youth Ballpark in Arlington, during the ACM Party for A Cause Festival.

Event hosts Luke Bryan and Justin Moore pose for photo at the ACM & Cabela's Great Outdoor Archery Event
Photos by Larry Busacca, Getty Images

Country music stars including Josh Abbott, Rhett Akins, Luke Bryan, Casey Donahew, Tyler Farr, Brantley Gilbert, Lucas Hoge, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Eric Paslay, Chase Rice, Jamie Lynn Spears, and Austin Webb along with Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Zack Martin, “Duck Dynasty” stars Jep Robertson and Willie Robertson, plus Cabela’s pro staff archers Wade Middleton and Kristy Titus participated in this archery exhibition featuring 3D and traditional targets.

Team Luke poses with trophy

Team Luke and Team Justin competing head-to-head as Team Luke won by a score of 519 to 459.  Team Luke artists included Luke Bryan, Lucas Hoge, Austin Webb, Kristy Titus, Tyler Farr, Dustin Lynch, Rhett Akins, Willie Robertson and Jep Robertson.  Team Justin included Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Rice, Casey Donahew, Zach Martin, Josh Abbott, Jamie Lynn Spears and Eric Paslay.

Jamie Lynn Spears participates in the ACM & Cabela's Great Outdoor Archery Event

Rhett Akins beat Cabela’s Pro Staff Archer Kristy Titus by one point to win the Top Archer trophy.

 

Make-A-Wish North Texas partnered with Cabela’s to bring young adults Emily (Team Luke) and Bryson (Team Justin) to the event pairing them each with the teams to participate in the event.

Luke Bryan and Make-A-Wish participant Emily Kemper discuss strategy.

 

Hot Ticket: ACM Events - Dierks' Charity Motorcycle Ride & Darius' Celebrity Golf Classic

The excitement of the 50th Anniversary of ACM Awards weekend continues with these TWO star-studded charity events in town -- both on Saturday, April 18th.  With a charity motorcyle ride and a golf classic, there's something for everyone!

Dierks Bentley will host the ACM Charity Motorcycle Ride & Concert, Country Music’s Biggest Ride™, on Saturday, April 18 – the ride will begin at Strokers Dallas in and Longhorn Harley-Davidson in Grand Prairie and will conclude at Maverick Harley-Davidson in Carrollton with a post-ride concert. 

 

Concerts by Dierks Bentley, Clare Dunn, Will Hoge, Joey Hyde, James Otto, Dee Jay Silver, Montgomery Gentry, Thompson Squareand more to be announced. 

 

Fans can register to ride and purchase general admission ticketsNOW on ticketing.acmcountry.com for$75.

 

Proceeds from the event to benefit ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, local child abuse advocacy groups and military philanthropies.

 

Local Charities:

• Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County
• Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
• Bikers Against Child Abuse
• 444 Angel

Today, ACM Lifting Lives® announced that chart-topping country music star Darius Rucker will return to host the ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic presented by G. Debbas Chocolatier and GoPicnic for the fourth consecutive year on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas. The ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic, the ninth held since 2004, brings together country music artists Kix Brooks, Charles Kelley, Chris Young, Branch & Dean, and more artists to be announced as well as other members of the music community in a scramble tournament to raise funds and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives’ Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund.

 

This fund enables ACM Lifting Lives to respond quickly to unforeseen, immediate financial needs ofmusic related organizations and individuals.Funds are disbursed at the discretion of a select committee made up of ACM Lifting Lives Board Members. The fund’s resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality.

Hot Ticket: ACM Lifting Lives "One Night, Two Cities, All Music" Benefit Gala

On this gloomy day, we are day dreaming of the upcoming ACM fun that will soon visit our fabulous city next month.  Here is a hot ticket event that you don't want to miss!  It's an extra special night in that both Dallas and Fort Worth will be a part of the action -- a star-studded event at two locations benefiting one worthy cause.

 

The Academy of Country Music’s philanthropic arm, ACM Lifting Lives®, with country music luminaries Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will host its first-ever fundraising gala on April 17, 2015, just two days before the 50^th Academy of Country Music Awards. The “One Night, Two Cities, All Music” gala presented by Mattress Firm will consist of two shows taking place simultaneously at the Omni Dallas Hotel and the Fort Worth Zoo.

 

The Omni Dallas Hotel gala will feature headliner and ACM Awards nominees Lady Antebellum, and a special performance by Hunter Hayes. Fort Worth Zoo will feature ACM Awards nominees including headliner Keith Urban, and a special performance by Little Big Town. Nancy O’Dell, Emmy®-award winning journalist and co-host of Entertainment Tonight, will join Brooks and Yearwood to co-host the Fort Worth gala.

 

Garth and Trisha will alternate between both locations throughout the evening to entertain attendees in Dallas and Fort Worth.  A host of celebrities along with prominent music industry and entertainment executives are scheduled to attend. The inaugural gala will kick off with a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner, live auction and a stellar line-up of performances by country music’s most celebrated artists.

 

ACM Lifting Lives will be donating funds raised from the gala to several Texas-based organizations including Garth Brooks’ charity, Teammates for Kids and the Child Life Zones in Children’s Health of Dallas and Cook Children’s of Fort Worth.

 

The gala is among the highly-anticipated events held during ACM Awards week. The awards ceremony itself, co-hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, will broadcast LIVE from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on CBS.

 

For more information on the gala, including ticket inquiries and sponsorship opportunities, please contact ACM Lifting Lives at gala@acmcountry.com.

 

We hope to see you there!

This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the ACM Awards Benefits ACM Lifting Lives

ACM CEO Bob Romeo (left) and ACM EVP/Managing Director Tiffany Moon (right) pose with ACM SVP and author Lisa Lee (center) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. 
(Photo Credit: Terry Wyatt / Courtesy of Academy of Country Music)

The Academy of Country Music hosted a party recently in Nashville to celebrate the release of the first-ever ACM commemorative book, This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards. Music Industry VIPs gathered at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to preview the book, on sale as of today September 23rd at booksellers nationwide. 

 

All of the Academy’s proceeds from sales of the book will go to ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy’s charitable arm. Fans can find more information about the book and a list of retailers at http://www.acmcountry.com/thisiscountry.

 

Starting today fans can Instagram a photo of what “country” means to them with #THISISCOUNTRY and submit their entry online via www.acmcountry.com for a chance to win a copy of the book and an enlarged 22”x28” photo from the book. Seven runner-ups will be selected to win a 22”x28” ACM historical photo.

 

The 224-page retrospective includes a foreword by Reba and features contributions by country music’s biggest stars from the 1960s to the present day, including Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Loretta Lynn, Alabama’s Randy Owen, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, and Marty Stuart, and commentary from Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and many more.